Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters       
      Media release, 13 May 1999
      COMMITTEE TO HEAR FROM EX ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER 
       Ex Australian Electoral Commissioner and eminent electoral commentator 
        Mr Brian Cox will appear before the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral 
        Matters tomorrow as part of the 1998 federal election inquiry. 
      
 Committee Chair Mr Gary Nairn, Member for Eden - Monaro, said 'Mr Cox 
        is a man widely respected for his knowledge on electoral issues. He has 
        been a regular contributor to federal election inquiries, and he has been 
        asked to appear so that the Committee can seek his advice on a range of 
        issues.' 
      
 'Dr Amy McGrath, a regular critic of the security of the electoral system, 
        will also be appearing,' Mr Nairn added. 'Dr McGrath's contributions to 
        previous federal election inquiries have inspired considerable debate, 
        and greatly added to the knowledge of the Committee.' 
      
 It is expected that Dr McGrath will focus on issues of security around 
        provisional and postal voting. 
      
 In addition, the Committee will be hearing from Mr Neil Gillespie about 
        problems experienced by ATSIC Regional Councillors who wish to stand for 
        federal parliament as well as Mr Gillespie's proposal for seats in parliament 
        to be set aside for indigenous Australians. 
      
 'The Committee is developing a detailed picture of those areas of electoral 
        law that require change before the next election,' Mr Nairn said. 'I expect 
        that three such witnesses will greatly assist the Committee in its deliberations.' 
      
 The Committee will deliver its report in the Spring sittings. 
      
 Ends
        13 May 1999
        Further information: Gary Nairn MP (Chair) 02 - 6277 4939 (Parliament 
        House)
        Bev Forbes (Secretary) 02 - 6277 2374 
      
      
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